Job Description

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India's endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Its objective is to serve as a platform for promoting world-class Innovation hubs, Grand challenges, Start-up businesses, and other self-employment activities, particularly in technology-driven areas. Under its core objectives, AIM intends to support the establishment of new incubation centres, known as Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), which will nurture innovative start-up businesses in their pursuit of becoming scalable and sustainable enterprises.



Atal Incubation Centre (under the aegis of Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog) -IIM Nagpur Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (AIC-INFED) is the business incubator and regional innovation organiser promoted and hosted by the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur).



AIC - INFED is looking for a dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will serve as the overall head of AIC-INFED, responsible for operationalising, managing, and scaling the incubation centre in alignment with the objectives of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog.



The CEO will act as the Centre In-Charge, ensuring compliance with all terms of the Sanction Order, Grant-in-Aid, and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between AIM and IIM Nagpur (through AIC-INFED).

Position:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Required Qualification:

Applicant should have a First-Class Master's degree in Management or any equivalent degree related to entrepreneurship development from a reputed Institute.

Experience:

Minimum 15 years of overall professional experience, out of which a minimum of 5 years of experience in start-up incubation, innovation management, and entrepreneurship development space. Experience in managing government/CSR-funded innovation programs and start-up investments. Experience at IIMs/IITs/NITs or any other premier Institution is desirable.

Job Profile:

A)Strategic Leadership & Institutional Setup

Lead the establishment and operationalisation of AIC-INFED as per AIM's sanction order and guidelines. Oversee infrastructure readiness, ensuring dedicated built-up space (minimum 10,000 sq. ft. with lab) for incubation facilities. Formulate the five-year vision and sustainability roadmap for AIC-INFED in consultation with AIM and the Board. Develop policies for incubation, procurement, seed funding, branding, and revenue generation as per AIM guidelines.

B)Program Design & Implementation

Design, implement, and monitor start-up incubation and acceleration programs addressing regional and national innovation challenges. Ensure the incubation of a diverse portfolio of start-ups -- with focus also on deep-tech, climate-tech, and social innovation ventures. Develop structured support mechanisms for mentorship, prototyping, investment readiness, and market access. Maintain performance and output metrics in alignment with AIM deliverables.

C)Governance, Compliance & Reporting

Act as ex officio Member Secretary to the AIC-INFED Board of Directors and ensure the timely execution of Board decisions. Ensure adherence to the AIM Monitoring System, PFMS financial protocols, and submission of Utilisation Certificates (UCs). Prepare and submit Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs), audited financial statements, and biannual updates to AIM and NITI Aayog. Maintain transparency and compliance with GFR 2017 provisions and AIM MoA obligations.

D)Partnership & Ecosystem Development

Forge collaborations with corporates, R&D institutions, academia, and industry bodies to strengthen start-up pipelines. Mobilize resources through CSR partnerships, grants, and international linkages for sustainability. Represent AIC-INFED in national and global forums on innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-up policy.

E)Financial & Human Resource Management

Ensure responsible utilisation of AIM Grant-in-Aid strictly as per approved budgets. Establish systems for fund flow management, audits, and governance under the SPV framework. Lead recruitment, capacity building, and performance management of AIC-INFED's team.

Key Skills:

Strategic and entrepreneurial leadership. In-depth understanding of start-up ecosystems, venture capital, and innovation frameworks. Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and institutional governance capabilities. Strong orientation towards measurable impact, accountability, and transparency. Financial prudence and compliance with the Government of India Grant-in-Aid norms.

Compensation & Benefits:

:

The selected candidate will be offered a fixed-term appointment initially for three years on an AIC-INFED contract, with a consolidated monthly salary commensurate with the qualifications and experience.



The contract may be extended for an additional two years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the fulfilment of duties, as well as project needs in accordance with AIM/NITI Aayog compliance. The total contract duration will not exceed 5 years.



Selected candidate will be a full-time professional and cannot be a part-time faculty member, government employee, or any other employee/part-time earner in any organisation (as per AIM mandate).

How to apply:

Interested candidates fulfilling the eligibility criteria should submit their detailed Resume, highlighting the relevant experience and a Statement of Purpose (500 words) outlining their vision for AIC-InFED, along with names and contacts of two professional references on the

e-mail ID - recruitment@iimnagpur.ac.in

, mentioning "Application for the position of CEO" in the subject line, latest by

27/11/2025 up to 5 PM.

Only the Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview by a Selection Committee.

The decision of the Appointing Authority will be final & abiding in this regard.



AIC INFED reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process if the need arises without issuing any notice or assigning any reason.



If, during the recruitment process or at the time of joining, the AIC INFED determines that the candidate is suitable for any other role, it may be offered to them.

We encourage OBC, SC/ST, PWD & EWS candidates to apply for the position.